Flotilla attracts thousands of spring breakers to Waikiki and full police force

Flotilla is a party for spring break goers spread by Facebook. The fun started at Magic Island, but moved to Kaimana Beach. Police were hoping for the thousands of college students to have some spring break fun, but done in moderation.

"We had incidence of alcohol poisoning last time and some criminal acts including sexual assaults, so we are out here showing police presence," said Capt. Ryan Borges.

Trouble like that caused HPD, DLNR and lifeguards to be out in full force. They were on land and water, scanning through the crowd on ATVs and jet skis. The state has considered banning alcohol from Flotilla parties before, but have backed off from the idea since then.

"I like that they are out here, I just don't like that they are in such force. I mean I understand the safety aspect of it, but it's pretty ridiculous," said Flotilla partier Abel Hamilton.

There has always been a concern for safety at large beach events. Drinking and floating is a combination police say is dangerous. Lifeguards said last year they assisted about 200 people back to shore, and there were other troubles that concerned authorities.

"There were some people that were passed out on the beach and stuff, but that's always going to happen on this kind of occasion," said Flotilla partier John Geurts.

But, that is something police said they were trying to avoid that from happening. They were focused on looking out for drinking in public and spotting the underage drinkers.